Dietmarr Hamann has advised Liverpool to avoid making a move for Declan Rice and instead show an interest in Newcastle United star Joelinton.
The latter has been in impressive form for Eddie Howe’s side as they continue their strong start to the season and currently sit fourth in the Premier League.
The Brazilian, who was originally a striker when he moved to St. James’ Park in 2019, has been deployed as a central midfielder this term and the ex-Red Hamann has urged Jurgen Klopp’s side to consider a move for the 26-year-old. . .
“Liverpool are 14 or 15 points behind the top of the table now and I don’t think a player would score that many points,” the German told BoyleSports (via Liverpool Echo). “Danny Murphy is right to suggest that Declan Rice is a very capable player, but I think he depends on how Fabinho returns to the season because he has been really disappointing, but he is a really brilliant player.
“I would like Liverpool to sign someone a bit more adventurous, someone like Joelinton from Newcastle who has a physical presence, can score a goal for you and has the full package. A player like him would suit Liverpool to the ground.”
READ MORE: Pundit thinks £64m Liverpool striker is ‘minor upgrade’ on Divock Origi despite Jurgen Klopp’s ‘incredible potential’ claim
He added: “I think getting a player of his quality in January is almost impossible and that should have been done in the summer.”
Rice is one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League and, at just 23 years old, the England international is showing immense potential.
He is already captaining West Ham and hopefully there will be a lot of interest in signing him in the near future.
Meanwhile, Hamann’s suggestion of Joelinton may have caught the eye of some, but the way the Magpies are performing this season is sure to build interest around some of their players.
The former Hoffenheim man has just one goal and one assist to his name this season, however, which will have Reds fans wondering if the Brazilian really is the answer.
There was much talk in the summer about Liverpool’s need to strengthen their midfield, but in the end fans had to settle for the addition of Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho and the signing of Arthur Melo from Juvenuts.
Jude Bellingham is the main name Kopites wants to see on the famous red shirt, but recent reports suggest the Anfield outfit may be priced out of place for the teenager.
With our lackluster start to the campaign, it will be interesting to see if the club make any moves in the January transfer window; we’ll just have to wait and see.
Ep63 of The Empire of the Kop podcast: Klopp’s ridiculous accusations of xenophobia, Núñez shining… and more!
